Editorial: The lessons of 9/11

Tuesday

Seventeen years ago today, America - if not the world - was changed forever.

Terrorists attacked America on Sept. 11, 2001 - bring the World Trade Center to the ground and significantly damaging the Pentagon.

Close to 3,000 innocent people lost their lives.

The attack mirrors only Dec. 7, 1941 in this nation's history as far as tragedy, horror and impact.

The attack shook America. The term "9/11" has been stamped into this nation's memory - and we will never forget.

American came to learn the harsh and evil reality of the world.

We learned that there are individuals in the world who so hate freedom that they will resort to any means necessary to kill and murder those who live under freedom.

These individuals do not fight wars in the conventional way. They do not wear uniforms or represent a legitimate nation or country, and they hold no regard for humanity or civilization as we know it.

They justify their barbarism by clinging to a warped and distorted view of a religion. And they use this perverted view of a religion for their own benefit - to obtain power and authority through terror and fear.

This is what America learned 17 years ago today.

We also learned that there are individuals in this country who no matter the terror leashed upon them - they will persevere, if not prosper. They refuse to cower or bow to those who use terror as a weapon.

Since 9/11, there have been close to 7,000 U.S. soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom - they have lost their lives in a war on terror (a worldwide war) that continues today.

The attacks 17 years ago today did change this country, but America has also changed the world.

The horrible reality of 9/11 has led to a resolve to rid humanity of the cowardice and evil that was unleashed on this nation. And this fight continues today. And this fight is evidence that America - and those who value freedom around the world - will never forget.

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